For those who may not be aware, when evaluating for Social Security Disability there are sort of two medical "paths". The harder path that most (including all Lyme and TBI) take involves proving disability through functional capacity - essentially trying to prove with the proper vernacular that your symptoms are disabling. However, there is also a preferable path - the "Blue Book" listing.
The "Social Security Blue Book" is a listing of certain diseases and conditions that the SSA simply grants that so long as you have been diagnosed with these conditions and fulfill any subsidiary parameters listed, you are automatically accepted as being disabled by virtue of having the condition!
Is anyone aware of a campaign to get Lyme / TBI added to the SSA Blue Book and under what parameters? Perhaps one of the advocacy organizations? I know that ILADS physicians show interest in getting it added the right way, but I don't know if the society as a whole has a project for lobbying for change. It is my understanding that pressure/inquiry can be placed on the SSA directly, but perhaps it is more useful to go to elected officials and ask them to intercede on our behalf, requesting that Lyme / TBI get added to the SSA Blue Book.
If anyone is aware of an ongoing campaign or an organization that is working on something related? Thanks.